Jeju Culture & Traditions

Discover the unique cultural heritage, traditions, and customs that make Jeju Island special

🌊 UNESCO Heritage

Haenyeo culture recognized worldwide

πŸ—Ώ Stone Guardians

Iconic Dol Hareubang statues

🎭 Unique Language

Jejueo - distinct from Korean

πŸŽͺ Seasonal Festivals

Year-round cultural celebrations

Cultural Traditions & Heritage

Explore the rich cultural traditions that have shaped Jeju Island's unique identity

Haenyeo (Women Divers)

ν•΄λ…€

HeritageUNESCO

Traditional female free-divers who harvest seafood from the ocean without breathing apparatus

Cultural Significance:

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage representing women's independence and environmental harmony

When to Experience:

Year-round, best visibility in spring and autumn

Where to Experience:
Haenyeo MuseumSeongsan Ilchulbong areaUdo IslandVarious coastal villages
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Visit the Haenyeo Museum to learn about their history
  • β€’Respect their work - don't disturb them while diving
  • β€’Try fresh seafood caught by Haenyeo at local restaurants
  • β€’Learn about their unique whistle breathing technique

Dol Hareubang (Stone Grandfathers)

λŒν•˜λ₯΄λ°©

Heritage

Iconic stone statues carved from volcanic rock, serving as guardians and symbols of Jeju

Cultural Significance:

Traditional guardians believed to ward off evil spirits and bring fertility and protection

When to Experience:

Year-round

Where to Experience:
Throughout Jeju IslandJeju Stone ParkTraditional villagesTourist attractions
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Touch their nose for good luck (traditional belief)
  • β€’Learn about the three different types based on their origins
  • β€’Visit Jeju Stone Park for the largest collection
  • β€’Great photo opportunities throughout the island

Jeju Language (Jejueo)

μ œμ£Όμ–΄

HeritageUNESCO

Unique language of Jeju Island, distinct from standard Korean

Cultural Significance:

Endangered language with unique vocabulary and grammar, part of Jeju's cultural identity

When to Experience:

When interacting with elderly locals

Where to Experience:
Rural villagesTraditional marketsCultural centersFolk performances
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Most younger people speak standard Korean
  • β€’Learn a few basic Jeju phrases to show respect
  • β€’Attend cultural performances featuring Jejueo
  • β€’Visit the Jeju Language Research Center

Jeju Shamanism

제주 무속

Belief

Traditional spiritual practices and beliefs unique to Jeju Island

Cultural Significance:

Ancient belief system connecting people with nature spirits and ancestors

When to Experience:

During traditional ceremonies and festivals

Where to Experience:
Traditional villagesSacred grovesCultural festivalsFolk museums
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Respect sacred sites and ceremonies
  • β€’Learn about the role of female shamans (mudang)
  • β€’Understand the connection to Jeju's natural environment
  • β€’Visit during traditional festivals for authentic experiences

Traditional Crafts

μ „ν†΅κ³΅μ˜ˆ

Craft

Traditional handicrafts including pottery, weaving, and woodworking

Cultural Significance:

Preserves ancient techniques and reflects Jeju's natural materials and lifestyle

When to Experience:

Year-round at workshops and cultural centers

Where to Experience:
Craft workshopsCultural centersTraditional marketsArt villages
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Try hands-on workshops to learn traditional techniques
  • β€’Purchase authentic crafts as meaningful souvenirs
  • β€’Learn about the use of local materials like volcanic rock
  • β€’Support local artisans and cultural preservation

Traditional Jeju Cuisine

제주 μ „ν†΅μŒμ‹

Food

Unique culinary traditions featuring seafood, pork, and local vegetables

Cultural Significance:

Reflects Jeju's island geography, climate, and cultural exchanges

When to Experience:

Year-round, seasonal specialties vary

Where to Experience:
Traditional restaurantsLocal marketsCooking classesFood festivals
Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Try black pork (heukdwaeji) - Jeju's famous specialty
  • β€’Experience fresh seafood caught by Haenyeo
  • β€’Learn about fermentation techniques for preservation
  • β€’Taste unique ingredients like hallabong citrus and bracken

Festivals & Cultural Events

Experience Jeju's vibrant festival calendar celebrating nature, tradition, and community

Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival

제주 λ²šκ½ƒμΆ•μ œ

Spring
When:

Late March - Early April

Duration:

2-3 weeks

Celebration of Jeju's famous cherry blossoms, earlier than mainland Korea

Festival Highlights:
Cherry blossom viewingTraditional performancesLocal food stallsPhotography contests
Location:

Various locations including Jeju City and Seogwipo

Cultural Significance:

Marks the beginning of spring and renewal, important for agricultural communities

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Book accommodation early as this is peak season
  • β€’Best viewing spots include Jeju National University and Seogwipo
  • β€’Combine with hiking for mountain cherry blossoms
  • β€’Try cherry blossom-themed foods and drinks

Canola Flower Festival

μœ μ±„κ½ƒμΆ•μ œ

Spring
When:

April - May

Duration:

1 month

Celebration of Jeju's golden canola flower fields

Festival Highlights:
Flower field walksPhotography opportunitiesTraditional musicLocal honey products
Location:

Seopjikoji, Seongsan area

Cultural Significance:

Celebrates agricultural heritage and the beauty of Jeju's farming landscape

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Early morning visits offer the best lighting
  • β€’Wear bright colors for photos against yellow flowers
  • β€’Try local honey and canola oil products
  • β€’Combine with visits to nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong

Jeju Fire Festival

μ œμ£Όλ“€λΆˆμΆ•μ œ

Spring
When:

Early March

Duration:

3-4 days

Traditional festival involving controlled burning of grasslands

Festival Highlights:
Controlled grass burningTraditional ceremoniesCultural performancesNight illuminations
Location:

Saebyeol Oreum, various locations

Cultural Significance:

Ancient agricultural practice to prepare grasslands for new growth and control pests

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Spectacular night views of controlled burns
  • β€’Learn about traditional farming practices
  • β€’Dress warmly as it's held in early spring
  • β€’Respect safety barriers and follow guidelines

Jeju Summer Festival

제주 μ—¬λ¦„μΆ•μ œ

Summer
When:

July - August

Duration:

Throughout summer

Beach and water-themed festivals celebrating summer

Festival Highlights:
Beach concertsWater sportsNight marketsFireworks displays
Location:

Various beaches and coastal areas

Cultural Significance:

Modern celebration of Jeju's beach culture and tourism

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Perfect time for beach activities and water sports
  • β€’Evening events offer relief from daytime heat
  • β€’Try summer specialties like cold noodles and shaved ice
  • β€’Book beach accommodations well in advance

Hallasan Snow Festival

ν•œλΌμ‚° λˆˆμΆ•μ œ

Winter
When:

December - February

Duration:

Winter season

Winter festival celebrating Hallasan's snow-covered beauty

Festival Highlights:
Snow activitiesWinter hikingHot spring visitsTraditional winter foods
Location:

Hallasan National Park area

Cultural Significance:

Celebrates the unique winter landscape of Jeju's highest mountain

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Proper winter gear essential for mountain activities
  • β€’Check weather conditions before hiking
  • β€’Enjoy hot springs after cold weather activities
  • β€’Try traditional winter warming foods

Jeju Tangerine Festival

제주 κ°κ·€μΆ•μ œ

Autumn
When:

November - December

Duration:

2 months

Celebration of Jeju's famous tangerine harvest

Festival Highlights:
Tangerine pickingCitrus tastingsAgricultural toursLocal product sales
Location:

Tangerine farms throughout Jeju

Cultural Significance:

Celebrates Jeju's most important agricultural product and farming heritage

Visitor Tips:
  • β€’Visit working tangerine farms for authentic experiences
  • β€’Try various citrus varieties unique to Jeju
  • β€’Purchase fresh fruit and citrus products
  • β€’Learn about sustainable farming practices

Cultural Etiquette & Customs

Learn proper etiquette and customs to show respect and enhance your cultural experience

πŸ™

Greetings & Respect

Korean culture emphasizes respect, hierarchy, and harmony in social interactions

βœ…Do:

  • β€’Bow slightly when greeting or thanking
  • β€’Use both hands when giving or receiving items
  • β€’Show respect to elderly people
  • β€’Remove shoes when entering homes or some restaurants
  • β€’Wait to be seated at formal meals

❌Don't:

  • β€’Point with a single finger
  • β€’Touch someone's head
  • β€’Show the sole of your foot to others
  • β€’Refuse offered food or drink without polite explanation
  • β€’Be overly loud in public spaces
🍽️

Dining Etiquette

Dining is a social activity with specific customs showing respect and consideration

βœ…Do:

  • β€’Wait for the eldest to start eating
  • β€’Use chopsticks and spoon properly
  • β€’Try all dishes offered to you
  • β€’Pour drinks for others, not yourself
  • β€’Finish your rice completely

❌Don't:

  • β€’Stick chopsticks upright in rice
  • β€’Point chopsticks at people
  • β€’Start eating before elders
  • β€’Pour your own drink
  • β€’Waste food
⛩️

Religious & Sacred Sites

Religious sites are sacred spaces requiring respectful behavior and appropriate dress

βœ…Do:

  • β€’Dress modestly at temples and sacred sites
  • β€’Speak quietly and respectfully
  • β€’Follow photography guidelines
  • β€’Bow before entering temple halls
  • β€’Remove hats and sunglasses indoors

❌Don't:

  • β€’Wear revealing clothing
  • β€’Touch religious artifacts
  • β€’Make loud noises
  • β€’Ignore posted rules
  • β€’Disturb people praying or meditating
🚢

Public Behavior

Public behavior reflects consideration for others and maintaining social harmony

βœ…Do:

  • β€’Keep public spaces clean
  • β€’Queue properly and wait your turn
  • β€’Offer seats to elderly, pregnant women, or disabled
  • β€’Keep voice down on public transport
  • β€’Follow local customs and rules

❌Don't:

  • β€’Litter or damage property
  • β€’Cut in line
  • β€’Eat smelly food on public transport
  • β€’Play loud music without headphones
  • β€’Ignore local customs
πŸ’Ό

Business & Formal Interactions

Formal interactions require proper etiquette showing professionalism and respect

βœ…Do:

  • β€’Exchange business cards with both hands
  • β€’Study received business cards respectfully
  • β€’Use formal language and titles
  • β€’Dress conservatively for business
  • β€’Be punctual for appointments

❌Don't:

  • β€’Write on someone's business card
  • β€’Put business cards in back pocket
  • β€’Use informal language with strangers
  • β€’Dress too casually
  • β€’Be late without notification

Language & Communication

Essential phrases and communication tips for your Jeju visit

πŸ—£οΈ Basic Korean Phrases

Hello

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”

an-nyeong-ha-se-yo

Thank you

κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€

gam-sa-ham-ni-da

Sorry/Excuse me

μ£„μ†‘ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€

joe-song-ham-ni-da

Do you speak English?

μ˜μ–΄ ν•  수 μžˆλ‚˜μš”?

yeong-eo hal su it-na-yo?

🏝️ Jeju-Specific Phrases

Grandfather (Dol Hareubang)

ν•˜λ₯΄λ°©

ha-reu-bang

Female diver

ν•΄λ…€

hae-nyeo

Volcanic cone

μ˜€λ¦„

o-reum

Hallasan Mountain

ν•œλΌμ‚°

hal-la-san

πŸ’‘ Communication Tips

  • β€’ Download translation apps like Google Translate
  • β€’ Many signs have English in tourist areas
  • β€’ Younger people often speak some English
  • β€’ Hotel staff usually speak English well
  • β€’ Use gestures and pointing when needed
  • β€’ Have your destination written in Korean
  • β€’ Tourist hotline 1330 offers multilingual help

Experience Jeju's Rich Culture

Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and customs that make Jeju Island special

Learn About HaenyeoFind Cultural EventsVisit Cultural Sites